We had 19 riders for today's version of the Milk Run. I think everytime we ride this route we go a different way with all of the construction. Eventually, we will have some very nice roads to ride on, hopefully I'm still riding by then. Let's see, we had a new rider today, Kara - although she was way over dressed for the warm day we had. We all made our way around the route in one way or another. Nancy and I tried to steal the sprint at the end of the ride on the tandem, but apparently I wasn't fast enough for Nancy, whose only comment to me was, "I could have gone faster if you have switched to a harder gear". I'll work out more before our next ride together. All kidding aside, it was a great day for riding, thanks everyone for a pleasant day.

OOPS - Forget to mention today, but our start time goes back to 8:00 next Sunday.

Ride Schedule

Sunday - 2/5 8:00 - NOTICE START TIME FOR FEBRUARY. Ok Super Bowl Sunday, ah, who cares, the Broncos are not in..Let's head to Sacaton for the first ride in February - mileage options of 37, 52, 58, or 60 miles. All flat except for the 58 & 60 mile routes. Breakfast at Wildflower at Chandler Mall.

Sunday - 2/12 - 8:00 - Ohcotukee Loop - head out towards Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage of 35 or 50 miles with hills on the longer route. New breakfast stop by request - Waffle House on Chandler Blvd & 48th Street.

Sunday - 2/19 - 8:00 - Tour de Mummy Backwards. Do our original route backwards through Scottsdale. Mileage options of 37 or 50 miles with hills on the longer route. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

Sunday - 2/26 - 8:00 - Tour de Mesa - Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with one hill on the 45 mile route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Guadalupe & McClintock.

Hi All!

We had 65 riders turn out for our romp thru Mesa. Well, 69 if you count those that arrived after sign-in. (This is a good point to remind you our start time moves back to 8:00am next Saturday!) The ride to the northeast offered a great non-climbing loop for the short route, with the challenge of some gentle climbing tossed in on the long route. Some of the lead dogs decided this wasn't quite challenging enough, so they went off to add some bonus miles while the rest of us cruised back thru downtown Mesa checking out all of the bronze sculptures. The group was stretched out enough to make for a couple of shifts of seating at Einy's. Breakfast conversation ranged from a discussion of how easy it is to forgot your helmet when you are wearing winter head gear to figuring out how many club parties we can hold this year on dates when Neal is scheduled to be out of town.

Coming up...

Saturday 2/4/06 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! Our start time shifts back a bit, and the pack heads northeast on the Tour de Lehi. Route options, 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Brueggers, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 2/11/06 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to South Mountain to see if the wildflowers are blooming yet (which if it still hasn't rained by this date, the answer to that is probably no!). Route options 27 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with oodles of climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner Priest & Elliot.

Saturday 2/11/06 5:30pm Social at the Demassa's place! Cindy and Gerry DeMassa invite all to their abode in Ahwatukee for a club party. Time is 5:30pm till whenever, they will provide the eats, you bring your favorite beverage. To RSVP and receive directions, contact Sue Fassett.

Saturday 2/18/06 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us on a loop to the south, with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Tid bits

It's shivery cold out at the start, you've got a chilled drink in your bottle... and the last thing you want do is to be chugging it and lowering your body temp even more. Drink it anyway. That record we're setting with no rain? That means the humidity is very low. The air you're sucking in and out of your lungs like a freight train is stealing moisture from your body. That cold weather riding gear you have on has you working up a sweat under those layers. Drink before, during, and after the ride. The need for hydration knows no season.

Ride safe.

We had 22 riders for this last Sunday take on Metro Mania. We had 3 flats along the way, I think Larry is going to be our next Flat Head winner this year. Nothing really to talk about, everyone stayed together for the most part. Breakfast was entertaining, with Gene and Roger swapping stories of why they don't have cell phones, you can't take them into the Phoenix Open, so why bother is their story.

Ride Schedule

Sunday - 1/29 8:30 - Milk Run - was all dairy farms, now just open roads. Mileage options of 36, 38, 40 or 44 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Wildflower at Chandler Mall.

Sunday - 2/5 8:00 - NOTICE START TIME FOR FEBRUARY. Ok Super Bowl Sunday, ah, who cares, the Broncos are not in..Let's head to Sacaton for the first ride in February - mileage options of 37, 52, 58, or 60 miles. All flat except for the 58 & 60 mile routes. Breakfast at Wildflower at Chandler Mall.

Sunday - 2/12 - 8:00 - Ohcotukee Loop - head out towards Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage of 35 or 50 miles with hills on the longer route. New breakfast stop by request - Waffle House on Chandler Blvd & 48th Street.

Sunday - 2/19 - 8:00 - Tour de Mummy Backwards. Do our original route backwards through Scottsdale. Mileage options of 37 or 50 miles with hills on the longer route. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

Sunday - 2/26 - 8:00 - Tour de Mesa - Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with one hill on the 45 mile route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Guadalupe & McClintock.

Hi All!

Twas a bit chilly this morning, but that didn't deter the 60 riders who turned out for our romp around town. A quick pace from the start, in an attempt to warm up, worked rather too well... with sweaty riders rolling into first regroup. (Just how you can get sweaty when it's 40 degrees out is amazing.) The adventure continued with an inspection of the potholes on 40th Street (yes, they are still there) and a review of the interesting mix of radiator shops and adult establishments on University. Our loop through downtown Tempe gave us a quick view of the Light Rail car on display and the walkers participating in the ALS charity walk. The full house at USEgg encouraged most of the pack to seek out bean power at SomeBurro's.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/28/06 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Mesa heads to the northeast, with options of 29 miles or 39 miles, with some gentle climbing on the long route. Breakfast at Einsteins, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Saturday 2/4/06 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! Our start time shifts back a bit, and the pack heads northeast on the Tour de Lehi. Route options, 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Brueggers, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 2/11/06 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to South Mountain to see if the wildflowers are blooming yet (which if it still hasn't rained by this date, the answer to that is probably no!). Route options 27 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with oodles of climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner Priest & Elliot.

Tid bits

Though our club is lead by a slate of 4 officers and an additional 6 board members, it is not those 10 people that make our weekly pack rides a success. It is the general club members who step up on a regular basis that keep things rolling. The riders that see someone who needs an assist and jump in to help before they are asked. A flat tire change becomes a mid-ride party when you have 8 hands doing the work instead of 2. A new rider who is struggling to complete the route finds motivation when someone rides at their elbow and chats them up. To all of our regular riders who give of themselves to help the group... thanks.

Ride safe.

Hi All!

Our Saturday morning adventure drew 50, actually 52 riders, if you count the two that appeared AFTER sign-in. (If you can't roll outa bed in time for an 8:30am start... ya might be burning the midnight oil a bit much!) A typical grand romp was had in typically grand Arizona weather. Thanks to Chris Jungk for stepping up to lead and to Kathy Mills for the assist on the standard route.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/21/06 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Roudabout Route takes us around town, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with a couple of moderate climbs on the long route. Brunch at either SomeBurro's or USEgg, both located southwest of College and Baseline.

Saturday 1/28/06 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Mesa heads to the northeast, with options of 29 miles or 39 miles, with some gentle climbing on the long route. Breakfast at Einsteins, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Saturday 2/4/06 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! Our start time shifts back a bit, and the pack heads northeast on the Tour de Lehi. Route options, 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Brueggers, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Tid bits

Last week the DiMassa's extended an offer to all... a bash at their place on Saturday Feb 11th evening. They are moving the timing of the gathering up to 5:30pm, but are also adding the temptation that they have a hot tub that they will crank up for the occasion. If those heart covered boxers can stand in as swim trunks, bring 'em along. If you are attending, please RSVP to Sue Fassett for directions.

Ride safe.

Thanks to Chris and Jackie for leading the rides this weekend as I came up gimpy... We had 17 riders on Sunday and 13 on Monday. Below is a ride report for Sunday by Chris - which I'm sure is the same for Monday.

Head winds and flats can sum up the ride.

We got off to a good start all the way to Maricopa Rd where the pack broke into two groups. The "Fast Guys" doing their typical break neck speed and the rest of us holding to a more reasonable 20 mph pace. The headwinds going out forced us to utilize our pace line skills and we made it to the turnaround with only two minor incidents. Kurt Smith experienced two flats on his rear wheel and I got to enjoy the blessings of the balance gods when I hit a large chunk of asphalt that no one pointed out. The obstacle caused my rear wheel to come up and throw me on to my handlebars doing a front wheelie for about a second. Fortunately I maintained control or else it could have been ugly.

On the way back we enjoyed the tail winds that pushed us along having to stop only a few times to fix flats that are almost inevitable on that route. We made a slight detour and went down Dobson to the Mall to eat at Wildflower Bread Company, since it was a majority vote that we go there instead. Hey, even though I was leader I'm not about to stand in the way of the democratic process. Besides I like the food better there anyway.

Ride Schedule

1/22 8:30 Metro Mania - See all of the cities in the east valley - mileage options of 36 or 45 miles (longer route has some hills). Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Rural & Ray.

1/29 8:30 - Milk Run - was all dairy farms, now just open roads. Mileage options of 36, 38, 40 or 44 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Wildflower at Chandler Mall.

Hi All!

Nothing like an offer of free breakfast to bring out an enthusiastic group. We had 73 riders appear for our romp around the Foothills. A few looked like they were packed up for riding 'round the world, as part of the gang prepares for a self supported local bike tour next weekend. Most found their way to Rick's bike shop towards the end of the ride for a great grazing experience, including not only a tempting array of food and great hot coffee... but topped off with Diet Pepsi and M&Ms! Thanks to Rick and Kathleen for hosting the horde.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/14/06 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us for a romp around town, short route 26 miles, or long route 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 1/21/06 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Roudabout Route takes us around town, with miles options of 25 miles or 35 miles with a couple of moderate climbs on the long route. Brunch at either SomeBurro's or, if you can't handle Mexican food after riding, USEgg, both located southwest of College and Baseline.

Saturday 1/28/06 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Our last Saturday morning to sleep in, come with us for the Tour de Mesa. A route to the northeast gives us options of 29 miles or 39 miles, some gentle climbing on the long route. Breakfast at Einsteins, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Tid bits

Our lost and found pile gained one blue glove liner at the breakfast stop this morning. For the rider doing a Michael Jackson impersonation, please contact your ride leader.

A new, not to be missed, social event to post on your calendar! On Saturday evening February 11th, Cindy and Gerry DeMassa invite all to their abode in Ahwatukee for a pre-Valentine Day bash for the club. Time is 5:00pm till whenever, they will provide the eats, you bring your favorite beverage. To RSVP and receive directions, contact Sue Fassett. Finally... an opportunity to flaunt those heart covered boxers you have stashed away.

Ride safe.

I'm a member of the Wheelsport Cycling Team in Seattle, which has been in existence for 45 years. I'm also a regular bike commuter and participant in many of the Cascade Bicycle Club events in the NW. Cascade is similar to the Phoenix Bike Club with several hundred members.

I've been in town the past few weeks visiting family and friends for the holidays and have enjoyed riding my bike in the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale area. While here, I looked online and found the Phoenix Bike Club ride held on 12-31-05 at the Kiwanis Park. When I arrived at the park, I immediately felt right at home. Except I didn't need my winter clothing, rain gear or rain-bike (a bike with fenders and a long mud-flap to keep the mud off your teammates face behind you in the pace line). Anytime any of your members don't feel like riding here in Phoenix because of the light chill in the morning, just remind them that there are several hundreds of their fellow cyclist in the NW who ride in the wet, cold weather everyday. Everyone I met at the Phoenix ride was very friendly and are very good riders. I even got to exchange some email addresses. I look forward to returning to the Phoenix area next winter and riding with your club again. I'll be letting riders back home know to look up the Phoenix Metro Bike Club if they want to do some great riding with some great people.

If you or your club members want to get away from heat this summer and do some riding, Seattle is a great place to do so. The summer in Seattle is similar to your winters. For ride information you can check out cascade.org. There are several other clubs who sponsor a number of rides. Cascade Bike Club is the largest and their site will have the links. For your racers, have them go to wsbaracing.com.

Thanks again for a great New Years Eve Ride,
Fred Villaflor
Wheelsportcycling.com

We had 23 riders bring in the new year with a nice romp, as Sue puts it, to Mummy Mountain. For the most part, everyone was pretty coherent. Thanks Sue for being the ride leader, even though I showed up. The group was pretty well behaved, just having a nice day of riding until Mummy Mountain loomed. Chris decided the mountains were just too tough today, so he broke his spoke at the right time (I actually saw him bend down and break it). Sue didn't want him to be the only one not doing hills, so she went back to the breakfast stop with him. A few got lost, it wouldn't be Mummy Mountain without losing some, but we all made it back in one form or another. Oh, least I forget, the two yahoo's who passed me on Curry as I was trying to steal a sprint, no stars for you!!!! Breakfast at Some Burros was entertaining as usual, especially the ride back after those bean burritos..

Ride Schedule

1/8 - No ride with Sunday Spin Cycle - we will support our club at the Casa Grande Century - QUESTION: Why do Arizona cyclists ride Centuries in January? ANSWER: Because they can! Click here for information about this ride.

1/15 8:30 Halfway around the mountain. Mileage options of 20 at turnaround or 45 - all flat miles. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels on Chandler & Rural.

1/22 8:30 Metro Mania - See all of the cities in the east valley - mileage options of 36 or 45 miles (longer route has some hills). Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Rural & Ray.

1/29 8:30 - Milk Run - was all dairy farms, now just open roads. Mileage options of 36, 38, 40 or 44 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Wildflower at Chandler Mall.